Extension Perspectives Newsletter – January 2026

January 14, 2026 News

Mark your calendar! 

Click here for a list of all events, workshops and classes throughout Extension. 

In Person and On Demand Events here.

Happening in Waldo County

Every Monday – 4-H Maker Mondays

2nd Tuesday of Month – Waldo County Executive Committee Meeting

In this issue…

WCEA

Maine Families

Home Horticulture

4-H Happenings

Commercial Agriculture

Waldo County Extension Association (WCEA)

The Waldo County Executive Committee (WCEA) hosted Mel Torres and Jessica Decke – two exciting youth development projects underway in Waldo County

The Northstar 4-H Youth Mentoring Program, coordinated by Torres, is working with students in grades 6-8 to provide hands-on activities and mentoring to help them develop skills in goal setting, healthy relationship building, positive attitudes toward learning, as well workforce skills and aspirations for higher education. Although administered by 4-H staff, the program relies on  Americorps and community volunteers for support. Each cohort of students has two volunteer mentors who commit to follow the group through graduation, attend monthly meetings and attend field trips. In addition, the program is always looking for community members willing to share their expertise with the group. The program, now in its second year, is currently funded by a three-year grant from the USDA. During this pilot phase Torres and others will be ascertaining the ongoing costs of the program in order to garner that support from local sources. For more information, email: melissa.tracytorres@maine.edu

 

Torres and Decke also outlined the goals of the Waldo Alliance for Mentorship (WAM), a coalition of local non-profits and organizations working to provide meaningful mentorship for teens. This program, funded for three years by a Transformative Impact Grant from Heart of Maine United Way, strives to create a community practice of supporting common goals for youth, a directory of local volunteers willing to work with youth on projects, a positive place for teens to gather, and a transportation system that gets them where they need to go. The alliance is collaboratively run by members from the following organizations:, RSU 71, Dory Learning Center, the Rural Youth Institute, Torchlight and 4-H, among other community partners. For more information, email: waldomentorship@gmail.com

WAM Listening Session
WAM Listening Session
7th grade cohort
7th grade cohort in action!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7th grade cohort
Lifting 7th grade cohort in action!
7th grade cohort
7th grade cohort in action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maine Families   

Happy New Year!

As we welcome January and a new year, it’s a perfect time for reflection and setting intentions for the months ahead. This month focuses on fresh starts for families and practical tips to kick off the year with positivity and purpose.

Embracing New Beginnings

The start of a new year is an opportunity for families to set goals, reflect on achievements, and make plans for growth. Here are some ideas to help your family embrace this season of renewal:

  1. Family Goal Setting: Sit down together and discuss what you hope to achieve as a family this year. Whether it’s improving communication, trying new activities, or focusing on health and wellness, setting goals can foster teamwork and motivation.
  2. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments from the past year, no matter how small. Recognizing progress can build confidence and inspire everyone. 
  3. Create a Vision Board: Get creative by making a vision board that represents your family’s hopes for the year. Use magazines, drawings, or digital tools to visualize your goals together.

Tips for Winter Wellness

With winter in full swing, it’s important to prioritize health and well-being. Here are some strategies to keep your family healthy and happy:

  • Stay Active Indoors: Engage in fun indoor activities to keep everyone moving, such as dance parties, obstacle courses, or yoga sessions. Physical activity is essential for maintaining energy levels during the winter months.
  • Nutrition Focus: Start the year with healthy eating habits. Involve your children in meal planning and cooking to teach them about nutrition and foster healthy choices.
  • Encourage Outdoor Play: When weather permits, bundle up and enjoy outdoor activities like sledding or building snowmen. Fresh air and physical activity can boost mood and energy.

Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling January! 

We’re Here for You

From newborn care to toddler transitions, parenting comes with its highs and lows. Wherever you are this season—whether you’re juggling routines, preparing for a new baby, or celebrating milestones—we’re just a visit, call, or message away. 

If you have questions about Maine Families Home Visiting in Waldo County or want to learn more about our upcoming Group Connections, please call us at 207.322.2879 or email melanie.l.bryan@maine.edu.

Home Horticulture

Rain Gardens
Thursday, January 15, 2026 5:00 PM Join Master Gardener Volunteer,  Kristen Bshara, for a presentation on rain gardens! Stormwater runoff can significantly impact our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This presentation explains how rain gardens help reduce runoff and protect water bodies. Attendees will gain practical guidance on rain garden design and installation and hear lessons learned from the Portland Water District’s rain garden project.

Registration is required. The program fee is offered on a sliding scale ($0-$10) and is free to enrolled Maine Master Gardener Volunteers. This webinar will be recorded and shared with registered participants within a week after the webinar takes place. Register here.

Beginner Beekeeping York County – January 2026
Wednesdays, January 21 – February 18, 2026 (Snow Date February 25, 2026)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m

Beginning Beekeeping instruction, 5-week course to be taught once a week for 2.5 hours. The York County Beginner Beekeeping Course will teach the basics of honey bee biology and beekeeping. The course is designed for those considering buying their first hives and those with a couple of years of experience who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. Learn evidence-based approaches to beekeeping from Master Beekeeper Larry Peiffer

The $125 fee for one registrant; or $220 for two registrants (1 Book) includes the cost of one textbook and (1 Membership) to the York County Beekeepers Association.

Where: University of Maine York County Extension Office, York County Court House, 45 Kennebunk Rd, Alfred, ME 04002. Register here.

Flowering in the North Conference 2026
Join us on January 27, 28, and 29 as we bring together flower growers from across the North for an exciting three-day conference to learn and share fresh ideas, strategies, tips, and resources for growing in colder climates. The Flowering In The North (FITN) conference will be geared towards all flower growers. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or just starting, whether you’re a sole operator of a small farm or part of a large-scale operation, you will take away valuable information to help you grow. This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore Portland, Maine’s vibrant city. Let’s build and strengthen our grower community because together we can continue to raise the profile of locally grown flowers. Location: Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland, Maine 04101. Click here for more information.

Floral Design Workshop at the Flowering in the North Conference
As part of the Flowering in the North (FITN) Conference, this immersive floral design workshop offers participants the opportunity to deepen their hands-on skills while engaging with contemporary approaches to floral artistry. Designed to complement the broader conference programming, this workshop provides an extended, experiential learning environment for attendees who wish to explore floral design in greater depth.

Taking place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 8:30 AM, the workshop will be led by Rebecca Maillet, Founder and Creative Director of Many Graces Farm & Design. Participants will learn foundational and advanced techniques for creating striking, foam-free compote centerpieces, while also exploring how to develop a holistic and personal design philosophy. Through guided instruction, discussion, and individual feedback, attendees will examine essential design elements that support sculptural, contemporary, and show-stopping floral work.

This workshop is well-suited for beginners, emerging floral designers, and experienced growers or creatives who are eager to learn something new in a supportive, hands-on setting. The extended format allows ample time for instruction, practice, and reflection, making it a meaningful complement to the FITN conference experience. For more information or to register, click here.

Related Programs and Resources

UMaine Extension Garden and Yard 

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Garden and Yard publications are available to download. 

You can find these publications at www.extension.umaine.edu/programs/. 

4-H Happenings

Youth Community Science Explorers Group
Do you have a budding entrepreneur or scientist? 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future. 

This year we will dig into Maine agricultural businesses, working waterfronts and Agri-tourism and see how they face challenges brought on by the changing world around us. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, create connections with peers and meet scientists and staff from the University of Maine and other organizations that support Maine business growth. 

Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join this partnership between the University of Maine’s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 3:30pm – 5:00pm. 

  • February 5 – Let’s dig into the Maine Potato Industry and Variety tasting
  • March 5 – Maine Maple Sugaring: A Sweet Season 
  • April 2 – It’s Wild! Explore the Maine Blueberry Industry and taste testing
  • May 7 – The Magic of Wool: What can you do with it?  

Location: Belfast Free Library, 106 High St, Belfast, Abbott Room on the ground floor. Registration is required for each session. For more information or to register, please visit the program’s website https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/ or reach out to Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu  or the Belfast Free Library at www.belfastlibrary.org. 

November’s Youth Community Science Session: Food Mapping and Hydroponics
Our November session at the Belfast Free Library was a great time. On November 6th, Waldo County 4-H hosted Tess Hureau from Hancock County Cooperative Extension 4-H.  With hands- on activities, we introduced youth to the concept of food mapping, helping them become aware of where in the world food products come, how they are transported (planes, trains and automobiles) and how much energy that might take!  The youth also learned about alternative methods of growing food, such as hydroponics systems- and were able to take an herb cutting home to grow.

Maker Mondays.   

Maker Monday
Maker Monday Project

Every Monday from 11am- 12 pm at the Waldo County UMaine Cooperative Extension office, 4-H professional Karen Giles will host a 4-H STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) project exploration activity for children ages 5-12 years old. Upcoming sessions: Marble runs, Rube Goldberg machines, talk/build with an architect. If you have questions, please contact Karen Giles by email karen.giles@maine.edu. 

The cost is free but we do require pre-registration https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/maker-mondays/ 

NEW Cloverbud Club in Monroe – Waldo County Explorers Cloverbuds meetings
November 18- We focused on hunter safety (weapon safety, appropriate clothing, legal seasons) and differences between antlers and horns, coloring print outs of each. Guest speakers Ethan Stubbs, registered Maine Guide, and Ross Curry, of Curry’s Outdoor Adventures channel, attended the meeting. Five club members and two club leaders attended.

The club members did a relay race to dress appropriately for either an adventure hunting in the woods, or an adventure to the beach. They picked a card to know which to dress for. 

Footwear choices: boots or flip flops. Vest choices: bright orange vest or a life jacket. Accessory choices: a compass or a pool noodle. Hat choices: blaze orange or a regular ball cap. 

December 16- Our focus was on seasonal crafts. We made wreaths and decorated candles and flower jars. 

Waldo County Explorers Beach trip
Waldo County Explorers Beach trip
Waldo County Explorers
Waldo County Explorers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waldo County Explorers
Waldo County Explorers working on a project

What is Speak up, Maine 4-H!
4-H Public Speaking Update – You asked, we’re excited! Performing Arts demonstrations will now be part of Speak Up, Maine 4-H the statewide Public Speaking Program.

From dramatic monologues to musical performances, this creative category is your time to express yourself and share your spark center stage.

Speak Up
Speak Up

Performing Arts demonstrations include:

  • a spoken introduction
  • your performance
  • and a spoken conclusion

Specific details, including updated evaluation tools and judges’ support for all categories, will be available soon on the Speak Up, Maine 4-H website and through county staff. 

 

 

 

Are you interested in Archery,  Community Service, Animal Science Projects,or a Horse Club? We are looking into starting new clubs in some of these subjects, starting this winter. If you are interested in any of these subjects, or others not listed, please reach out to Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu to discuss how to become involved! Youth and Volunteers are needed!

Are you interested in joining 4-H or learning more about it?
4-H is a positive youth development program that focuses on the development of life skills through project-based, hands-on learning experiences. Youth ages 5-18 can join. You do not have to own an animal or raise livestock to be a member of 4-H. 4-H now offers over 120 different program areas!

We are holding meetings at the Waldo County Extension office to discuss the benefits and explore exciting opportunities that 4-H offers for youth and adult volunteers. If you are interested, want to learn how to sign up, or don’t have a club to join yet, the “Waldo County New Members Club” may be a place to start! Join us Mondays  at 9:30 am at the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office to learn more. It is free to participate.

Please register by emailing 4-H Professional Karen Giles karen.giles@maine.edu, call the office at 207.342.5791, or register through the extension website. If you cannot attend at that time, please reach out to schedule another time.  

Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club
Are you interested in learning about livestock animals (such as cows, goats, or sheep)? How do we care for them? How do you know what to feed them, how do you actually do regular health checks and have proper housing? Join the 4-H Animal Science SPIN club. We will have 3 virtual sessions focused on what livestock need to live a healthy life and one field day that provides hands-on experience. Set yourself up for success in your 4-H project by learning the basics of animal care. Participants do not need any prior animal experience or currently own livestock to participate. This is a beginner/introductory level program.

This is a free opportunity for youth ages 9 – 18.  Virtual sessions will be Thursdays, January 22, 29th, February 5, 2026, 4:00-5:15 pm.  February 12th will be an optional session for youth who intend to participate in a 4-H livestock project. The final session will be geared towards youth who are beginning their journey into raising livestock. Learn More and Register Here before January 9, 2026.

Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series
February 17, 18, 19, 20 from 10am to 11:15am, this virtual series will meet on zoom cost free.

This February, ignite a new appreciation for winter! Join our hands-on, curiosity-driven virtual science series designed for youth ages 10 and up. Through guided inquiry, investigation, and observation, we will explore all the wonders of the cold season. Get ready to transform your view of winter! Register here by February 3, 2026 or contact emily.booth@maine.edu for more information.

Maine 4-H ESE Beef Intent to Participate Forms are Now Available
The 2026 Maine 4-H Beef ESE Intent to Participate form is now available online and must be submitted by January 15, 2026. This is a requirement for all youth intending to participate as members of the Maine 4-H Beef Team at the Eastern States Exposition in September. Youth must be 12-18 years old as of December 31, 2025 and have completed one year in a beef project prior to this year. Please contact Kristen Grondin, kristen.grondin@maine.edu, 207-581-8193, or Cathy Bartlett Gray, cathy.gray@maine.edu, 207-743-6329  with any questions.

2026 Maple Sugaring 101: From Sap, to Syrup, to Sales
Maple Sugaring 101 is a virtual program open to Maine youth ages 10+ who are interested in learning about the entire maple sugaring process and how to create a commercial grade syrup. Participants will learn about forest management, tapping trees, transporting sap, using an evaporator, grading and storing syrup, and operating a maple sugaring business. The program will be three one-hour sessions on Zoom, one session per week, during the afternoon. Exact dates will be released in January 2026.

Each week, participants will learn about the process and connect with other young maple sugar makers through online meetings led by University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts.  This program will also prepare youth for a new Level 1 digital badge called 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise. Youth who complete the program will get free access to the learning modules to earn the digital badge.

Independent club members or youth who are interested in the program but are not a member of a participating club are welcome to register!

If you are interested in this program, please complete the interest form at this link so we can follow up with you about registration: https://forms.gle/JwNiYnPtU1ihXN2G9

Club leaders who would like to have their club participate in this program, please contact your 4-H County Professional or Andrew Hudacs by Monday, January 26, 2026: andrew.hudacs@maine.edu, (207) 581-8204. For more information, please visit the Maple Sugaring 101 webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/annual-events/maple-sugaring-101/

4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-Credential

The University of Maine System (UMS) 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential is a learning pathway for teenage youth to learn the essential aspects of the maple industry. Students completing the program demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills to work in a maple forest, sugarhouse, and produce commercial-grade maple syrup and value-added food products. Additionally, participants understand how skills and traits gained during work in the maple industry are transferable to other workplace situations.

Students ages 14+ may enroll in the micro-credential pathway and learn the material through an instructor-led class or by self-study.

Link to 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise Micro-credential webpage: https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/4h-foundations-maple-sugaring-enterprise/

Students progressing along the micro-credential pathway will earn and receive a digital badge at each milestone they achieve. There are three digital badge levels of knowledge and skills on the pathway that must be completed before proceeding to the next level. All three levels cover learning topics for working in the woods, the sugarhouse, the kitchen, and operating a business.  The three units for each digital badge and learning level are called “Woods Work”, “The Sugarhouse”, and “Kitchen and Business”.

The 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 virtual program will prepare students for the Level 1 digital badge.

The Level 1 knowledge exam is the first of three parts required to earn the full micro-credential. There is no cost to enroll and take the Level 1 assessment. After passing this test, students can then demonstrate their skills with an approved instructor to complete Levels 2 and 3.

To learn more or to sign up for the pathway, please email andrew.hudacs@maine.edu or by phone, 207.581.8204.

ESE 4-H Dairy Team Intent Forms are Due March 1, 2026

The 2026 Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States intent to participate form is available online at https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/dairy/. In order to be eligible for participation on the Maine 4-H Dairy Eastern States Team next fall, 4-H members must submit their completed intent form online or to the Waldo County Cooperative Extension office before March 1, 2026. Please contact Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 with any questions.

4-H Volunteer Corner: Your corner for connection, tips, and tricks!

Fuel the Spark! Okay, Maine 4-H volunteers- we have shared information about “youth sparks” in our past three editions of the 4-H Volunteer Corner. Now it’s YOUR TURN- tell us how YOU are helping to support or fuel a youth spark! Fill out this short form to highlight one example of youth spark and the role you played, and your name will be entered into a drawing for some cool 4-H swag! YOU MAKE a difference! Tell us how you do it! https://forms.gle/NwK6oqSqzu6Ryfeh8

4-H Volunteer Connections
January 21, 2026 Volunteer Excellence: Recognizing Achievement, Inspiring Growth
6:30-8:00pm. Free to attend, but registration is required! Register here!

Your Voice is Needed! Passionate about 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects?
Help shape the new 4-H poultry and rabbit tracks that will debut at Eastern States in 2026! We are forming planning committees for each species and are looking for knowledgeable, enthusiastic 4-H volunteers and interested youth to join us in developing high-quality, engaging opportunities for 4-H members across the region. Join one of our upcoming drop-in virtual information sessions to learn more. We’d love to have your experience, creativity, and passion at the table!  Info Session Dates: Jan 6, 2026 06:00 PM,Jan 22, 2026 06:00 PM. Contact Sadee Mehuren, sadee.mehuren@maine.edu or 207.342.5971 for Zoom link.

Resource Spotlight
4-H Club Leader Handbook is a resource designed to help new club leaders get off to a strong start, containing specific information for facilitating the 4-H club model. Check out this amazing resource online https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/club-leader-handbook/ or contact your county office for a printed copy. 

Waldo County 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/4-h-calendar/

State 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/category/calendar/month/

For more information on how to get involved in Waldo County  4-H, please contact your local UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H professional, Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971.

Commercial Agriculture

Maine producers demonstrate top quality at 2025 Maine Hay Contest
The results of the 2025 Maine Hay Contest, sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, were officially announced during the Maine Forage Conference held this fall in Waterville. The contest, which recognizes producers who achieve the highest hay quality scores, highlighted the resilience and expertise of Maine farmers in a challenging growing season. 

Contest entries were ranked based on the Relative Forage Quality score (RFQ), which assesses protein, energy and fiber digestibility. Hardy Farm in Farmington won first place with a RFQ score of 170. Second place went to Pine Ridge Acres in Falmouth with a 166 RFQ and Conant Acres in Canton was awarded third place with a score of 159. 

Representatives from the winning farms, including Henry Hardy and family, Aaron Bank of Pine Ridge Acres, and Matt Sneller of Conant Acres, were present to receive their awards and commemorative plaques. The win is particularly notable for Hardy Farm, which clinched the first-place title for the second time, demonstrating sustained excellence in hay production. This year’s results were a testament to the skill and knowledge of hay Maine producers. The elite scores, especially considering environmental challenges such as drought faced by many producers this year, demonstrate that Maine farmers possess the excellent management practices necessary to produce superior-quality hay.

The Maine Hay Contest is an Extension educational initiative, pushing farmers to measure and improve their forage quality. Maine producers are encouraged to participate in the 2026 contest. Whether you are aiming for the top prize or wish to learn more about the quality of hay you are currently producing, participation is a valuable step toward optimizing animal nutrition and farm profitability. Learn more about the contest rules and submission guidelines at the program website.

Lungworm and Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants
January 17, 2026 10:00 AM – Cost: $10-$20

This workshop focuses on two significant parasites impacting sheep, goats, and other small ruminants—meningeal worm (brain worm) and lungworm. Participants will learn about the risks, prevention, and management of meningeal worm, a mysterious and often deadly parasite. The session also includes hands-on activities, including setting up a Baermann apparatus—the diagnostic tool used to detect lungworms—and practicing microscope techniques for parasite identification. Register here

Location: University of Maine at Augusta, Jewett Hall, Room 284, Augusta, Maine 04330

Backyard Maple Sugaring Workshop
Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:00 AM (Snow Date January 31)

Join experienced sugarmakers for demonstrations and discussion on all aspects of making maple syrup, the sweetest gift of nature, in your own backyard! In the morning, learn about identifying and tapping trees, collecting and boiling sap, and more. After a short break, join us at a local maple farm to look at their tubing systems and learn how you can set up this efficient sap collection method. Registration includes a copy of Rink Mann’s “Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide.” This program is sponsored and co-taught by the Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association. Register here.

Intro to Making Maple Syrup – 9:00 – 11:30

Androscoggin/Sagadahoc County Extension Office, 24 Main St, Lisbon, ME 04252

Sugarhouse Tour and Discussion at Dorothy’s Sugarhouse – 12:30 – 2:30

561 Poland Range Rd, Pownal, ME 04069

QuickBooks for Farms Course

SCORE Maine and University of Maine Cooperative Extension are pleased to offer this QuickBooks workshop series tailored to small farms and agriculture businesses. This important software can help with your invoicing, tracking sales and expenses, and handling your bookkeeping requirements for tax preparation. QuickBooks will let you sync your data across your computer, tablet and smart phone mobile devices when you need it.

This free hands-on workshop so you need an internet enabled device to follow along.  You will need to use both Zoom and your web browser to access the QB test drive at the same time, so using a smart phone will be more challenging to toggle between the two because of the small screen.

QuickBooks Intermediate for Farms – January 26, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (registration link coming soon)
This free, single-session intermediate workshop will cover recording fixed assets & depreciation, recording new loans & payments, reconciling year-end loan balances with lenders and using journal entries in QuickBooks Online. Sponsored by SCORE Maine & University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Where: Virtual on-line event via Zoom, Please download the “test drive” software before the workshop begins (FMI see the registration page).

Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series
Join the University of Maine Cooperative Extension on the first Monday of each month for our Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series, designed to support Maine’s green industry, including nursery and cut flower production, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and more. Each 75-minute session will feature a presentation followed by Q&A and discussion.

Upcoming Webinars:

Registration is required, with a sliding scale fee ($0-$15) per session. Zoom access details will be provided upon registration.Recordings will be available and sent to participants approximately one week after each event. Can’t attend live? Register anyway to receive access to the recording and a list of related resources.  

Set Your Farm’s Future on the Right Path
It’s never too early to plan for your farm’s future. Every farm has a different path to succession. Sometimes developing that path can be challenging if you feel like you don’t have the time or the necessary information to plan. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with succession planning, join our goal-oriented group, where you’ll work alongside fellow farmers to understand the process and focus on the pieces most relevant to your farm. Who: Farmers interested in Succession What: Six-succession goal-oriented work group

In-person: Second Monday of each month, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Kennebec County Cooperative Extension, 125 State Street, Fl #3, Augusta, Maine 04333

Online: Second Monday of each month, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom

For more information about this program, go to: www.umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy0000044N6z

Integrated Weed Management for Ornamental Greenhouse Crops
Monday, February 2 @ 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Learn practical strategies for managing weeds in greenhouse ornamental production. Weeds compete with crops for space, light, and nutrients, reducing quality and productivity. In this session, we’ll cover common greenhouse weeds, their biology, and a range of control methods. Topics will include cultural and mechanical approaches, along with key considerations for effective chemical control. Photo by Edwin Remsberg

Register Online: Integrated Weed Management for Ornamental Greenhouse Crops

Managing Pests in Cut Flowers
Monday, March 2 @ 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Join us for a webinar on managing pests in cut flower production. Cut flowers are a high-value ornamental crop, but even minor pest damage can significantly reduce their marketability. Having an integrated pest management plan in    place before the season begins is essential to minimizing that damage. In this session, we’ll cover the biology of key insect pests affecting cut flowers and focus on a range of management strategies. Topics will include cultural prevention methods, along with the basic requirements and key considerations for effective pesticide applications. Photo by Edwin Remsberg

Register Online: Managing Pests in Cut Flowers

To Sign up for the Extension Perspectives Newsletter, click here, call 207.342.5971 or email billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to nondiscrimination.